| Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Wednesday newsletter is here! | Today we’re sharing smart tips on voice commands: making technology work for you, along with the best deals, fun trivia, and more! |
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| Today's Best Click | Best click today Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale, Digital Grams and Ounces for Weight Loss, Baking, Cooking,...
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| | | | What We’re Reading | Get these e-book deals before they're gone. | | It's in the Cards (Zelda Harcrow Series Book 1) | By: Lisa J. Hogan | On a world where magic powers invention, brilliant alchemist Dr. Zelda Harcrow leads a lunar space race—until a lab explosion sparks sabotage, assassins, and secrets. With a relentless inspector, a resurfacing flame, and tarot hinting at destiny, Zelda must solve the mystery fast. A sci-fi fantasy full of action, humor, drama, and romance. | Get it for just $0.99 today! |
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| Dear Joanne | Your questions, her wisdom — Joanne’s here with thoughtful advice, warm humor, and a listening ear for whatever’s on your mind. | | Many years ago, when my Mom was alive, Frank Sinatra was coming to our area for a performance. My mom wanted tickets to go see him. So, for her birthday, I bought her two tickets. I asked her who she was going with. Her response was: “You, of course.” No, Mom, I do not want to see Frank Sinatra. She was adamant that I go with her. So, the good daughter that I was, I drove her, but with attitude, I am sure. | When we got to the Convention Center, I realized we had great seats. I was happy for my Mom. Then when Frank Sinatra hit the stage, there was no one more excited than ME! I was so enamored by his presence. I sat at the edge of my seat the entire time! It was that day – and I remember it like it was yesterday – that I made a vow to see all the great icons before they were no longer with us. | I have been lucky that I got to experience concerts from some of the greats like Dean Martin, Frankie Valli, Paul Anka, Whitney Houston, Frankie Avalone, David Cassidy and Donny Osmond, just to name a few. | But this week I got to see Tony Danza! I was unsure what he was going to perform, but the trailer said songs and stories of Frank Sinatra, so I thought it would be good. Also, I had a huge crush on him when he was in “Who’s the Boss” (and what girl didn’t at the time). Let me tell you – he put on an EXCEPTIONAL performance. I had no idea what a great voice he had. He sang all the crooner songs by Frank Sinatra, and told many stories of his experiences throughout his life. It was so much fun. | I also had to add him to THE LIST… the list of men I would leave my husband for. Don’t worry – my husband knows I have THE LIST. It consists of Sylvester Stallone, George Clooney, and Bradley Cooper. My husband always jokes and says he is sure he has nothing to worry about. So now there are four men on THE LIST. | I find there is something special about seeing a legendary performer take the stage. Experiencing an icon in person is more than just attending a concert - it’s a chance to connect with history. It brings back so many memories. And for a few hours, you feel like you are in your twenties or thirties again. Hearing those same songs performed live creates a powerful sense of nostalgia and joy. | I am begging each and every one of you to find an icon you want to see and go see him! Remember, opportunities don't last forever. Many legendary artists are continuing to tour well into their seventies and eighties, but each tour could be their last. Seeing a favorite performer now can prevent the regret of saying, "I always meant to go." | Of course, seeing an icon doesn't have to mean a large arena. Community theaters, symphony orchestras, classic film screenings with guest appearances, and local performing arts centers frequently host well-known entertainers in more intimate settings. These venues often provide excellent views and a relaxed atmosphere. | Perhaps the greatest reward of attending a live performance is the reminder that life's pleasures don't have an expiration date. The excitement of the crowd, the first notes of a favorite song, and the energy of a live audience can be just as thrilling today as they were decades ago. | So, if one of your favorite entertainers is coming to town, consider saying yes. The memories you make may become some of your most treasured souvenirs. | Who are your favorite icons? Have you seen them? Tell me your stories by emailing me at [email protected]. Include a photo if you have one! | Joanne | |
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| | | On this day in 1985, the beloved adventure-comedy The Goonies was released in the UK, just weeks after its U.S. premiere. With pirate maps, secret tunnels, and plenty of booby traps, the film captured the imaginations of kids (and kids at heart) around the world. Decades later, it’s still a cult classic—because Goonies never say die! |
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| | Voice Commands: Making Technology Work for You | In today’s tech-savvy world, voice commands are no longer just for sci-fi movies—they’re part of everyday life, and they’re making things simpler, faster, and more accessible for everyone. Whether you’re asking your smart speaker to play your favorite song, telling your phone to call a friend, or even controlling your lights with a few spoken words, voice-controlled technology can help make your routines smoother and your hands a little freer. | At its core, voice command technology allows you to interact with devices using your natural speech instead of tapping or typing. This is especially helpful for people with limited mobility, vision challenges, or anyone who just wants to multitask more easily. From smartphones and smart TVs to thermostats and kitchen appliances, more and more gadgets are integrating voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant. | So, what can you actually do with voice commands? Quite a lot. You can send texts, set reminders, get directions, check the weather, and even make grocery lists just by speaking. Around the house, voice commands can turn on your favorite playlist, adjust the thermostat, lock your doors, or brew your morning coffee—all without lifting a finger. For seniors, these features can be particularly empowering, offering both convenience and added independence. | Getting started is easier than you might think. Most smartphones come with built-in voice assistants that you can activate with a simple phrase like “Hey Siri” or “OK Google.” Smart speakers, like Amazon Echo or Google Nest, respond to similar prompts. Once you’ve set up your device, you can start by asking simple questions or giving basic commands—and the more you use it, the more intuitive it becomes. | It’s normal to feel a bit hesitant at first, but think of voice commands as having a helpful assistant on standby, ready to respond to your needs, big or small. And remember, you can always ask, “What can you do?” to get a list of suggestions from your device. | Whether you're sending a message, playing a podcast, or dimming the lights before bed, voice technology is here to lend a hand (or rather, an ear). It’s all about making life easier, one word at a time. | Want to try it now? Just say, “What’s the weather today?”—and see what your device says back! | 🎙️ Do You Use Voice Commands with Your Devices? | |
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| Yesterday’s Poll Results: How much thought have you given to your digital assets? |
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| | Most readers haven’t yet made plans for their digital assets—over 60% admitted they hadn’t even thought about it until now! While a smaller group has either started a list or formally included their online accounts and files in their estate plans, it’s clear this topic is still flying under the radar. The poll highlights a growing need for awareness around digital legacies in today’s increasingly online world. | TOP COMMENTS | “I have provided information for my kids they both know how to access this information.” “As we are getting close to 70, this has been on my mind. We need to discuss who we would prefer to take care of this.” “We have shared the necessary information with a trusted family member.”
| | Fresh Scents, Fresh Start: Embrace the Essence of Summer | Summer is the perfect time to refresh your fragrance wardrobe, and this article is a lovely guide to doing just that. It explores how certain scents—like citrus, florals, or beachy notes—can instantly transport you to warm, sun-soaked memories. Whether you’re drawn to light garden florals, crisp greens, or clean musks, these seasonal perfume suggestions offer more than just a pleasant aroma—they help you step into summer with confidence, energy, and a bit of playfulness. It's a reminder that scent can be a form of self-care and joy, no matter your age. | READ MORE | |
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| Slang Phrase of the Day | Phrase: Main character energy | Meaning: The confident, self-assured attitude of someone who lives like they're the star of the show—bold, unbothered, and fully owning their moment. It’s about embracing your individuality, making choices that suit you, and not shrinking for anyone else. | In a sentence: "After trading her morning robe for a red lipstick and heading out to her watercolor class with flair, Carol was absolutely giving main character energy." | |
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| Good News of the Day | Sighting of Elusive ‘Miner’s Cat’ a Fitting Reward for Philanthropists Rewilding Their Private Land | For a philanthropic couple in Oregon, the sighting on a trail camera of one of North America’s most elusive animals was both surprising and not. Bill and Sarah Epstein had committed a large plot of family-owned land to conservation, and so the appearance of a “ringtail” or “miner’s cat” was a sign that their work […] | READ MORE | |
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| | Want more trivia? Play our “Nostalgia Trivia Game” on our site! We add fresh questions daily, so there’s always something new to test your knowledge.
Not into trivia? No worries! We’ve got plenty of other fun games to enjoy, like: | |
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| The famous 1972 photograph known as “Blue Marble” was taken during which NASA mission? | |
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| Which iconic handheld gaming device did Nintendo release in 1989? | | Which U.S. state is home to the “Petrified Forest” national park, known for its fossilized trees? | | | A QUICK ASK: First off, thank you for reading RetireHub every day. It fills our cup that so many thousands of people get joy from our little publication. | As you know, good content costs money. In order to continue supporting ourselves and to continue delivering the content you enjoy every day, we need to pay our writers. If you can, we ask you to subscribe to our paid account (for $5/month - less than a cup of coffee!) below. | If you choose to purchase a paid subscription, please know you’re supporting not only our publication, but tens of thousands of other 50+ year old Americans that get joy, entertainment, financial tips, and more from RetireHub every single day. | If you don’t join the paid plan (or can’t), no worries at all. We know times are tough. Thank you for being a part of our tiny, joyful part of the Internet. | - Jay | → Support Our Writing ← |
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